I need to take a series of levels (8) around the periphery of various sized steel cylinders.
I thought I could just use a dumpy level and move the dumpy to 3 or 4 locations around the cylinder. Obviously taking the required reference levels between moves.

I have been given some advice though that this job requires a theodolite and that a dumpy is not good enough.
Excuse my ignorance but doesn't a theodolite just do angle unless it has an EDM. or can the vertical angle be locked level and use as a dumpy????



I'm sorry if I have not used the correct surveying terms.

As far as I can remember from my surveying course years ago, there is nothing you have said there that makes me think a Dumpy level won't do what you want.

Not sure why you would need a Theodilite unless you need to record accurately the point at which you take the levels? In which case you would still need a level (To take the levels)
A Theodilite does not measure levels only Angles in Vertical & Horizontal Planes
A Total Staion or EDM will measure Angles in Vertical & Horizontal Planes along with the distance

A preset level will do all you need along with an assistant and a staff.
That's if I'm remembering my old lecturer correctly.
Bill Irvine, the man who wrote the standard text book. Surveying For Construction.

A Dumpy level will be more than up to the job, as long as you are up to setting it up correctly, :-). Just needs you, the dumpy, an assistant, and the staff, and remember to take back levels, when you move the instrument. HTH Ray